FY 2008 G.R.E.A.T. Program

The Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program is a life-skills competency program designed to provide students with the skills they need to avoid gang pressure and youth violence. G.R.E.A.T.'s violence prevention curricula help students develop values and practice behaviors that will help them avoid destructive activities. G.R.E.A.T. program staff coordinate project activities with federal, regional, state, and local agencies, as well as individuals from community and civic groups. The goal of the program is to train criminal justice professionals to deliver a school-based curriculum that teaches life-skills competencies, gang awareness, and violence-avoidance techniques.

McCurtain County, through the Oklahoma State District 17 District Attorney's Office, will utilize funding to provide the elementary, middle school, families, and summer components to local youth and their families in an effort to curb violence and gang activities, as well as help students build character, achieve their goals, and enhance their chances for success. Currently, there are approximately seven recognized adult and two juvenile gangs operating in the district, with gangs often recruiting youth from local neighborhoods and schools. Through the grant, schools with documented gang activity will be provided the G.R.E.A.T. curricula. In addition, G.R.E.A.T. officers will work with teachers, counselors, and school administrators to identify participants for the summer component. The families component will be implemented with assistance from local organizations and school personnel.

CA/NCF